The Ownership Game with Gary Montalvo

Gary Montalvo
  • 5.0 (28)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Ownership Game with Gary Montalvo, where weekly I bring you interviews, conversations, coaching, or insightful ramblings all with one purpose, to get you in the driver's seat of your life.

  1. Leadership Starts with You: Building a Legacy That Lasts – Christian Fischer

    08/05/2025

    Leadership Starts with You: Building a Legacy That Lasts – Christian Fischer

    What if your greatest legacy isn’t what you leave behind — but how you live right now? In this episode of The Ownership Game, I sit down with Christian Fischer, a values-driven leader, entrepreneur, and father who’s on a mission to help people build legacies rooted in purpose, service, and self-awareness. This isn’t your typical leadership talk. Christian opens up about the habits, mindsets, and daily decisions that have shaped how he leads in business, in family, and in faith. From overcoming identity struggles to redefining success through service, this conversation is packed with wisdom that challenges the hustle-for-worth narrative — and invites you to slow down and lead with integrity. If you're an entrepreneur, parent, or high-performer who feels called to something deeper, this one’s for you.   In this episode, we discuss: Why legacy starts long before you leave anything behindLeading from identity, not insecurityThe difference between calling and egoBuilding habits that reflect your values — not just your goalsLeading as a parent and partner with intentionalityHow to redefine masculinity through vulnerability and faithThe power of pausing to reflect, redirect, and realign  Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Intro: Leadership Is Personal 03:20 Meet Christian Fischer: Business, Family, and Faith 06:45 From Confusion to Calling: Identity Work in Leadership 10:10 Redefining Success: It's Not About Titles 14:30 Legacy as a Daily Practice 19:00 How Christian Leads at Home and in Business 23:40 Habits, Anchors, and Rhythms That Build Character 28:55 Masculinity, Faith & Leading Through Humility 33:10 Learning to Slow Down to Speed Up 38:40 What True Ownership Looks Like 42:30 Christian’s Legacy Vision 46:00 Final Reflections + Invitation to Lead from Within __________________________________   Connect with Christian: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianjfischer/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisruptiveChefCommunity  LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/christianjfischer  Website: https://www.christianjfischer.com/  __________________________________   Love this episode? Here’s how to support the show: Subscribe & never miss an episode!Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more people discover the show!Share this episode with a friend who needs inspiration.   __________________________________   Have a question or suggestion for the show? Let us know about it by visiting www.TheOwnershipGame.com   Sign up to get episodes and bonus content delivered to your inbox weekly at www.TheOwnershipGame.com   Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47xYgUn

    57 min
  2. Ownership in the Age of AI: Leading Yourself Through the Revolution – Marnie Wills

    07/29/2025

    Ownership in the Age of AI: Leading Yourself Through the Revolution – Marnie Wills

    What if the biggest risk in the Age of AI… is sitting on the sidelines? In this episode of The Ownership Game, host Gary Montalvo sits down with AI Strategist and educator Marnie Wills for an honest, insightful conversation on how to lead yourself (and your business) through the most disruptive technological revolution of our time. If AI feels intimidating, overwhelming, or like “something for the tech people,” this conversation is going to flip that script. Marnie, a self-proclaimed non-techie with an athlete’s mindset, shares how she became her own Chief AI Officer, and how she now helps everyday entrepreneurs and creatives do the same — without needing to code, know the jargon, or “keep up” with every new tool. This episode is all about mindset, experimentation, and reclaiming your agency in an accelerating world. Whether you're already using AI tools in your business or you’ve been avoiding it altogether, you'll walk away feeling clearer, more empowered, and ready to play the long game.   In this episode, we discuss: Why AI is not just about tech — it’s about how you think The real meaning of becoming your own Chief AI Officer How Marnie 10X’d her business using ChatGPT, Claude, and custom GPTs How to avoid the trap of “doing AI right” and just get started How AI can unlock confidence, creativity, and strategy What it means to protect your IP and brand in the age of AI Building your own branded AI tools + agents — and why it matters How to make AI your thinking partner and not just a copy machine    Chapters: 00:00 Welcome: The AI Revolution Is Already Here 03:00 Marnie’s Story: From Blackberry Loyalist to AI Strategist 06:45 How AI 10X’d Her Business (and Helped Her Exit One) 09:30 Developing an AI-First Mindset 13:00 Why You Don’t Need to Be “Techy” to Lead with AI 15:50 From Overwhelm to Ownership: Pick One Tool and Start 21:15 Becoming Your Own Chief AI Officer 26:00 Building Trust with AI Tools as a Creative/Entrepreneur 31:40 Using AI for Coaching, Strategy, and Business Ops 35:00 Launching Your Own AI Platform (and Owning Your Data) 40:30 How to Protect Your Intellectual Property 45:00 The Coaching Industry’s AI Disruption (And Opportunity) 49:00 Marnie’s Final Message: Confidence Through Collaboration __________________________________ Connect with Marnie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businesswithai_strategist/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/businesswithaistrategist  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-wills-entrepreneur  Website: www.businesswithaistrategist.com  Onesheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uSdbDmSdjh5Sa_v5Htp-MbD2EIn_bxDH/view?usp=sharing  __________________________________ Love this episode? Here’s how to support the show: Subscribe & never miss an episode! Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more people discover the show! Share this episode with a friend who needs inspiration.    __________________________________ Have a question or suggestion for the show? Let us know about it by visiting www.TheOwnershipGame.com   Sign up to get episodes and bonus content delivered to your inbox weekly at www.TheOwnershipGame.com   Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47xYgUn

    53 min
  3. Building a Life That Holds All of You with The Inspiration Engineer, Cauveé

    07/22/2025

    Building a Life That Holds All of You with The Inspiration Engineer, Cauveé

    What if success isn’t about doing more, but becoming more of who you already are? In this episode of The Ownership Game, Gary Montalvo sits down with Cauveé (Kaw-Vay), also known as Cauvee, and widely recognized as The Inspiration Engineer®, to talk about what it means to build a life that doesn’t just look good, but feels aligned on every level. Cauveé has helped influencers, entrepreneurs, and leaders take off the mask, reconnect with their truth, and create a reality that honors their full, authentic self. In this episode, he opens up about his own transformation, from living in survival mode to stepping into purpose-driven leadership. This conversation is raw, reflective, and filled with frameworks you can use to shift your energy, upgrade your environment, and finally start living a life that holds all of you.   In this episode, we discuss: The difference between living to survive vs. living to express What it takes to rewire your mindset after trauma and burnout How to stop building for the algorithm and start building for your soul Why presence > performance for entrepreneurs and creators Building a lifestyle that’s sustainable, soulful, and scalable Tuning into your own “divine algorithm”   Chapters:  00:00  Intro: The Inspiration Engineer Joins the Game 02:30  From Trauma to Transformation: Cauveé’s Origin Story 06:10  Why Achievement Can’t Heal Abandonment 09:50  Masculinity, Vulnerability & the Power of Softness 13:15  The Energy Audit: Realigning Your Time, People & Space 18:00  Authenticity vs. Performative Success in the Digital Age 23:40  Your Divine Algorithm: Operating From Inner Truth 29:20  The Cost of Living Disconnected from Purpose 33:50  Presence, Peace, and the Art of Letting Go 39:00  Designing a Life That Holds All of You 44:15  Cauveé’s Message to Creators and Leaders Ready to Evolve 47:30  Closing Reflections: Who Are You Without the Mask? __________________________________ Connect with Cauveé: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cauvee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cauvee LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cauvee Website:  inspirationengineer.com  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@cauvee Onesheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15QC1tuF2oRVynvwS1Zqb_ocvzndq-oHhewK2pmtJpto/edit?tab=t.0  __________________________________ Love this episode? Here’s how to support the show: Subscribe & never miss an episode! Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more people discover the show! Share this episode with a friend who needs inspiration.    __________________________________ Have a question or suggestion for the show? Let us know about it by visiting www.TheOwnershipGame.com   Sign up to get episodes and bonus content delivered to your inbox weekly at www.TheOwnershipGame.com   Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47xYgUn

    55 min
  4. When Success Becomes Your Cage: The Journey to Breaking Free from Expectations - Betsy Pepine

    07/15/2025

    When Success Becomes Your Cage: The Journey to Breaking Free from Expectations - Betsy Pepine

    What if the life you built — the one that looks perfect on paper — feels like a prison behind the scenes? In this deeply honest conversation on The Ownership Game, Gary Montalvo sits down with Betsy Pepine, a successful real estate entrepreneur and author, who shares her story of what happens when outward success clashes with inner fulfillment. Betsy opens up about the moment she realized she was living inside “boxes” built by other people’s expectations — and the courageous journey she took to break free, rewrite her story, and define success on her own terms. If you’ve ever found yourself chasing achievement but feeling empty, questioning the stories you’ve inherited, or wondering how to live a more authentic life — this episode of The Ownership Game is for you.   In this episode, we discuss: The hidden cost of the hustle culture How “boxes” keep us stuck in invisible cages The fear of letting go of status, identity, or financial security Practices for tuning in, asking better questions, and creating real freedom How to redefine your relationship with success and failure Why unlearning old programming is the key to authentic leadership   Chapters:  00:00 Introduction: When the Hustle Becomes the Cage 02:30 Meet Betsy Pepine: Success on Paper, Disconnection Inside 06:00 The First Signs: Listening to the Body and Inner Voice 09:30 Tools for Uncovering the Truth: Therapy, Meditation & More 14:45 Defining and Spotting the “Boxes” You Live In 19:20 Social and Cultural Boxes: Gender, Money & Status 25:00 The Ego Death of Changing Careers and Identities 31:30 Framework: Identifying Your Boxes and Facing the Fears 36:50 Betsy’s Book and How It Can Help Others 40:10 Powerful Takeaways: Joy, Impact, and Authenticity 46:30 Closing Reflections: Remembering Who You Really Are __________________________________ Connect with Betsy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsypepine/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betsypepine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsypepine/ Website: https://www.betsypepine.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetsyPepine  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gainesvillerealtor    Grab Betsy’s book Breaking Free from the Boxes: https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Boxes-Dismantling-Metaphorical-That/dp/1636802842/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=  Join Betsy’s new companion course coming soon! __________________________________   Love this episode? Here’s how to support the show: Subscribe & never miss an episode! Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more people discover the show! Share this episode with a friend who needs inspiration.    __________________________________   Have a question or suggestion for the show? Let us know about it by visiting www.TheOwnershipGame.com   Sign up to get episodes and bonus content delivered to your inbox weekly at www.TheOwnershipGame.com   Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47xYgUn

    50 min
  5. Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage – Sara Gilbert

    07/08/2025

    Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage – Sara Gilbert

    Why do we get stuck in self-sabotaging patterns — even when we know exactly what to do?  In this powerful episode of The Ownership Game, Gary sits down with mindset and strategy coach Sara Gilbert to unpack the invisible patterns that keep entrepreneurs, leaders, and high-achievers stuck in the cycle of “I know what to do, but I’m not doing it.” Sara reveals how our identity, emotions, and the stories we tell ourselves create hidden limits on our growth. Together, they break down how to spot these patterns, rewire your language, and shift from fear-driven action to leadership-driven alignment. If you’ve ever felt trapped by procrastination, perfectionism, or over-preparation — this episode will show you how to break free.   In this episode, we discuss:   Identity anchors behavior. What you say after “I am” shapes what you’ll do — or avoid. Safety drives sabotage. Often we don’t procrastinate out of laziness, but to protect a version of ourselves we’ve learned to keep safe. Language is power. The stories you repeat become your reality. Awareness and new questions are the key to change. Slowing down speeds you up. Reflection and intentional language create sustainable, aligned action. Chapters:  00:00 The Power of “I Am” Statements: How Identity Shapes Behavior 02:30 Sara’s Journey: From Business Strategy to Deep Mindset Work 05:50 Why “Be-Do-Have” is the Real Game Changer for Entrepreneurs 08:00 The Hidden Role of Emotions: Why Safety Sabotages Growth 14:00 The Familiarity Zone: Why We Stay in Patterns that Don’t Serve Us 19:00 Language as a Tool: How to Rewrite Your Stories 25:00 The Right Questions vs. The Wrong Questions: Moving from Stuck to Free 33:00 Why Slowing Down Helps You Speed Up 42:00 Self-Awareness, Self-Honesty, Self-Leadership: A New Model for Change 51:00 Why Ownership Over Your Stories is Non-Negotiable 54:00 Final Thoughts: Playing the Ownership Game in Life and Business __________________________________   Connect with Sara: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saragilbertstrategist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100015061414304 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saragilbert/ Website: https://saragilbert.coach/  __________________________________   Love this episode? Here’s how to support the show: Subscribe & never miss an episode! Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more people discover the show! Share this episode with a friend who needs inspiration.    __________________________________   Have a question or suggestion for the show? Let us know about it by visiting www.TheOwnershipGame.com   Sign up to get episodes and bonus content delivered to your inbox weekly at www.TheOwnershipGame.com   Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47xYgUn

    57 min
  6. It’s Not a Calendar Problem, It’s a You Problem - Dr. Jaime G. Raygoza

    07/01/2025

    It’s Not a Calendar Problem, It’s a You Problem - Dr. Jaime G. Raygoza

    Is burnout just a scheduling issue — or is it the story you’re telling yourself? In this powerful episode of The Ownership Game, Gary Montalvo sits down with Dr. Jaime G. Raygoza, organizational psychologist, coach, and burnout expert, to dismantle the myth that overwork is just about poor time management. Dr. Jaime shares his raw, near-fatal story of hustle culture gone too far — and the hard-earned wisdom he now uses to help entrepreneurs, leaders, and high-achievers break the cycle of burnout. If you’ve ever felt like the only way to succeed is to do more, push harder, or ignore what your body is screaming at you — this conversation is your permission slip to choose a wiser path.   In this episode, we discuss: Why your hustle might be rooted in trauma or an old identity story The hidden physical symptoms your body uses to warn you about burnout How stress kills creativity and long-term business growth Simple, science-backed daily rituals to reset your nervous system (hello, laughter yoga!) How to plan for success as an entrepreneur in the infinite game   Chapters:  00:00  Introduction: The Infinite vs. Finite Game 03:00  Meet Dr. Jaime: From 120-Hour Weeks to Near Death 10:00  What Drives Unchecked Hustle? Proving Your Worth 18:00  Signs You’re Burnt Out (Your Body Knows First) 24:00  Why Entrepreneurs Ignore Burnout (and Pay the Price) 31:00  How Burnout Limits Innovation & Leadership 36:00  Practical Reset Tools: Body Scans, Environment Shifts & Laughter Yoga 44:00  How to Manage Stress When You Can’t Change Your Circumstances 48:00  The Gift Inside the Breakdown: Enjoying the Process 52:00  Outro: Stop Proving, Start Living __________________________________ Connect with Dr. Jaime: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowcareercoaching
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089604794211  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-gabriel-raygoza/  Website: http://www.rainbowcareercoaching.com/  __________________________________ Love this episode? Here’s how to support the show: Subscribe & never miss an episode! Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more people discover the show! Share this episode with a friend who needs inspiration.    __________________________________ Have a question or suggestion for the show? Let us know about it by visiting www.TheOwnershipGame.com   Sign up to get episodes and bonus content delivered to your inbox weekly at www.TheOwnershipGame.com   Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47xYgUn

    53 min
  7. Resilience and Hope: The Story Behind a Globally Ranked Podcast - Lesley-Anne Stone

    06/24/2025

    Resilience and Hope: The Story Behind a Globally Ranked Podcast - Lesley-Anne Stone

    What does it look like to say yes to your inner nudge—even when it's terrifying? In this episode of The Ownership Game, Gary sits down with longtime friend and powerhouse marketing executive turned podcast host, Lesley-Anne Stone. After facing the life-altering challenge of parenting a child with severe food allergies, Lesley-Anne launched the globally ranked podcast Resilience and Hope, giving voice to the raw, emotional, and empowering stories that often go untold in the parenting and health world. She opens up about how grief, intuition, and a deep need for authenticity fueled her unexpected leap into podcasting—and how that leap has impacted families around the world. Whether you’ve got an idea on the backburner or you’re in the thick of building something new, this episode is a masterclass in trusting your instincts, creating with purpose, and leading with your story.   In this episode, we discuss: How to transform personal pain into powerful purpose What it takes to launch a globally ranked podcast The role of intuition in making bold creative moves Why authenticity is the currency of connection How to overcome fear and take the first step What parents of food allergy kids need to hear most   Chapters:  0:00 A Mother’s Mission Begins 2:00 Saying Yes to the Inner Nudge 6:30 From Branding Executive to Podcast Host 11:45 How a Doctor’s Invitation Sparked It All 14:00 The Power of Moving Before You’re Ready 17:30 Grief, Growth, and the Gift of Collaboration 22:00 Building a Podcast That’s Deeply Personal 27:00 The Risk and Reward of Radical Honesty 33:00 Inside the Groundbreaking Food Allergy Program 38:00 What It Really Takes to Get to Remission 44:00 Making Hope Accessible to Families Everywhere 48:00 Season Two, Possibility, and the Next Chapter __________________________________ Connect with Lesley-Anne: Instagram: @resilienceandhopepodcast Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesleyannestone/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resilienceandhopepodcast Website: https://linktr.ee/resilienceandhopepodcast  Food Allergy Institute: www.foodallergyinstitute.com Resilience And Hope: A Food Allergy Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. Links below! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resilience-hope-a-food-allergy-podcast/id1797657949  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3uQ1UHk9k0oBaJpKE310YT  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ResilienceandHopePodcast/shorts  __________________________________ Love this episode? Here’s how to support the show: Subscribe & never miss an episode! Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more people discover the show! Share this episode with a friend who needs inspiration.    __________________________________ Have a question or suggestion for the show? Let us know about it by visiting www.TheOwnershipGame.com   Sign up to get episodes and bonus content delivered to your inbox weekly at www.TheOwnershipGame.com   Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47xYgUn

    54 min
  8. Forged by Pressure: Ron Rubin on Character, Discipline, and Quiet Leadership

    06/17/2025

    Forged by Pressure: Ron Rubin on Character, Discipline, and Quiet Leadership

    What happens when life doesn't hand you safety—but you choose strength instead? In this powerful episode of The Ownership Game, Gary sits down with Ron Rubin, a successful entrepreneur and financial advisor whose character was literally forged by pressure. From facing antisemitism and domestic abuse in his youth to building a thriving business grounded in integrity, Ron shares how adversity shaped his relentless discipline, his unshakable values, and his quiet—but potent—leadership style. This isn’t a story about surviving the past. It’s a masterclass in transforming it. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone looking to rebuild from the inside out—this is the episode you didn’t know you needed.   In this episode, we discuss: How childhood adversity created the conditions for Ron’s inner grit The powerful mindset behind turning trauma into fuel for success Why your habits determine your destiny more than your circumstances A rare look at character-driven leadership in financial services The three things Ron writes down every day to keep him focused What it looks like to lead with integrity—even when it costs you   Chapters: 00:00 Life on High Alert: Ron’s early years facing violence at home and school 03:30 Turning Pain into Purpose: The mindset shift that defined his life 07:40 Education as a Lifeline: The immigrant work ethic and academic ambition 13:00 Resilience, Not Reaction: When bullying teaches self-worth 19:00 Witnessing a Parent’s Downfall: The impact of addiction on identity 25:00 Forging a Career: The bold early years of Ron’s financial services journey 27:15 Lessons from 120 Mentors: What top performers all have in common 30:00 Radical Transparency in Business: Defining values in a shady industry 34:30 Taking Ownership in Crisis: A major betrayal and how Ron handled it 39:50 Fortune Favors the Bold: Risking it all to start his own firm 42:00 Legacy and Mentorship: Serving future generations with integrity 50:00 The Exit Plan: Why Ron sold his company—and what comes next 53:00 Daily Discipline: Ron’s personal system for staying aligned 56:00 Final Takeaway: You’re not what you survived—you’re who you become __________________________________   Love this episode? Here’s how to support the show: Subscribe & never miss an episode! Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more people discover the show! Share this episode with a friend who needs inspiration.    __________________________________   Have a question or suggestion for the show? Let us know about it by visiting www.TheOwnershipGame.com   Sign up to get episodes and bonus content delivered to your inbox weekly at www.TheOwnershipGame.com   Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47xYgUn

    58 min
See All (67)

5
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Ownership Game with Gary Montalvo, where weekly I bring you interviews, conversations, coaching, or insightful ramblings all with one purpose, to get you in the driver's seat of your life.

Information